Boss Richard Hill has revealed he hopes to unleash fit-again Jake Abbott in the British & Irish Cup semi-final with Bedford Blues – admitting the all-action back row has been like a ‘mad dog’ back in contact training.
Worcester-born ace Abbott has been out of action since suffering a serious knee injury during the league game with Bristol Rugby in October and was expected to miss the rest of this season.
However, the dynamic former England Sevens star has made sensational progress with his rehabilitation and now Head Coach Hill – who agreed a two-year deal with Abbott during his time out – has earmarked the last four fixture with Blues at Goldington Road on April 23 as his potential comeback game.
“Jake is ready to go and just needs two week of contact under his belt,” said Hill. “Last week he did some training with contact and we have done full 15 on 15 contact today (Thursday) with him.
“The physios are keen that he has done two full weeks and we are now earmarking for the semi-final of the British & Irish Cup to make his comeback.
“That is great news because we weren’t expecting that this season. That is credit to the hard work of the medical team with him and Jake himself. He has been the consummate professional and has worked so hard to get himself back into this position.
“It was his first really bit of contact today (Thursday) and he was like a mad dog – he was desperate for it. I look forward to unleashing him against Bedford in the B&I Cup.
“We are already seeing a lot of competition between Jake Abbott and Matt Kvesic. When Pat Sanderson comes back there is going to be a nice little battle there.”
Hill has also vowed to send as strong a team as possible to the semi-final with Bedford as he targets a place in the final of the cup.
“It’s important we keep with continuity and what I would look to do is pick the strongest available side again against Bristol next week,” said Hill.
“What we will do after the Bristol game is pick the best 15 that will go into the semi-final of the Championship. The rest will go to Bedford and that will be a strong line-up to try and get us in the final.”